State

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said he would protect the rights of peaceful protesters but not give a free pass to “rioters and looters” as a second week of demonstrations against police brutality got underway Thursday.

The Arizona National Guard has called up about 900 soldiers to help the state deal with protests after Gov. Doug Ducey declared a statewide 8 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew on Sunday, Guard spokesman Maj. Aaron Thacker said.

Arizona's top school official released guidelines on Monday for reopening the state's K-12 schools that includes detailed suggestions on how the districts can decide whether to start traditional classes after summer break or switch to partly or fully digital learning models.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said Tuesday that recent data indicates the coronavirus peak for hospitalizations on the vast reservation occurred from April 21-26, a month earlier than initial projections.

The Arizona Senate abruptly adjourned for the year Tuesday, leaving for an expected special session legislation protecting businesses from liability lawsuits if their employees or patrons contract the coronavirus.

The taxpayer tab for the racial profiling case focusing on former Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s immigration patrols in metro Phoenix is expected to reach $178 million by the summer of 2021 – and no one in county government can say when the spending is expected to end.